MP demands inquiry into benefits system that drives veterans to suicide and self-harm

An MP is demanding a public inquiry into the Government’s lifeline for wounded troops.

Owen Thompson’s call comes after scores of personnel told the Sunday People the Ministry of Defence ’s Veterans UK service was unfit for purpose.

We told last week how delays in providing support had led some to take their lives or self-harm. And we uncovered shocking figures showing more than 40,000 wounded serving or former members of the armed forces have had claims for compensation rejected.

SNP MP Mr Thompson branded their treatment a “disgrace” saying: “Injured veterans need support from the Government, not a stressful fight for justice.

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Some veterans have been fighting for payouts for years (PA)

“It’s time for a root-and branch inquiry to tackle these issues, fix the system and make sure all veterans get the respect and support they deserve and require.

“UK Veterans assessors seem to regularly reject applications, despite medical reports provided.”

Veterans minister Leo Docherty said that: “We take the wellbeing of all those who have served extremely seriously.”